How to Remove Mustard Stains From Cotton

Robin Hewitt

You're about to do the laundry, and as you sort the clothes you stop dead in your tracks: there's a big gob of mustard on your son's blue cotton shirt! Before you toss that shirt in the trash, mix up a batch of this mustard stain fighter with ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen. Before you know it, that mustard stain will be history, and you'll have saved the cost of a new shirt.

Step 1

Lay the clothing out on a flat surface and pad the area behind the stain with a thick absorbent cloth or several folded paper towels so the stain won't bleed through when you treat it.

Step 2

Scrape off any excess mustard with a spatula, the edge of a credit card, or a plastic putty knife, taking care not to damage the fabric.

Step 3

Mix one quarter teaspoon each of dish soap and white vinegar with one quarter cup warm water in a small bowl.

Step 4

Apply the cleaning mixture to the stain, using a sponge or teaspoon. Allow to soak for 15 minutes.

Step 5

Rinse the stain under hot water until the water runs clear; the mustard will come out easily.